Thinking about playing a few games at a casino? If you are, you have two main choices: Do you head over to the nearest land-based, brick-and-mortar casino and try your luck there? Or do you log into an online casino from your computer or smartphone instead?
Here and now we’re going to take a look at both these options and give you a primer on their advantages and disadvantages – to help you decide which one to pick.
Land-Based Casinos: Great Vibes
Land-based casinos are an experience all on their own. The bright lights, clinking of slot machines, and chatter of other players makes for an iconic scene that feels thrilling from the moment you enter.
The vibe is a big part of the appeal of land-based casinos – but it doesn’t stop there. These casinos also act as a social hub where you can casually chat with strangers while sharing a table with them and sipping on drinks. Many land-based casinos also have restaurants, bars, and shows – all of which add to the experience.
On the flipside, getting to a land-based casino can be a hassle – especially if you don’t live near one. It may even involve flying to a different state or country, which can add to travel costs, not to mention what it’ll cost for parking, food, and accommodation. In short, it could cost you both time and money – in no small sum either.
Online Casinos: Unprecedented Convenience
Online casinos are all about convenience. They allow you to gamble at any time and from anywhere – including the comfort of your own home. In fact some casinos such as Vavada even have mobile apps that you can download onto your smartphone so you can gamble from anywhere you prefer. The mobile app it has available will even bypass the restrictions in many countries, providing unprecedented access with a single tap.
In addition to the convenience, online casinos have a much larger variety of games seeing as they aren’t limited by physical space. For example, Vavada’s selection of games includes over 5,000 different casino games ranging from slots to table games, live dealer games, and other interactive games. For a land-based casino to match that variety it would need an unrealistic amount of floor space.
Another attractive mainstay of online casinos is the fact that most offer some really attractive bonuses and promotions. Keep in mind that they tend to be subject to wagering requirements, so you need to read the fine print.
Despite everything online casinos have going for them, there are some drawbacks. Nowadays there are a lot of shady casinos out there, so you’ll need to be careful which one you pick. On top of that there are additional security concerns as well such as phishing and other scams. Last but not least the convenience of online casinos can make it easy for you to get carried away and change gambling from a fun activity to a dangerous addiction.
“So Which is Best?”
As you’ve probably noticed by this point, it is hard to determine whether land-based or online casinos are ‘best’. Instead, it really boils down to your personal preferences.
To break it down:
- Cost:Land-based casinos require additional expenses for travel, accommodation, food, drinks, tips, and various other extras. Online casinos cut these expenses to a minimum, allowing it to easily edge out the competition in terms of cost.
- Game selection:Online casinos definitely have a larger selection of games in terms of sheer numbers. Some land-based casinos may offer unique games or exclusive high-stakes tables that stand out, but they do not have the variety of online casinos.
- Experience:This is a bit of a toss-up. Land-based casinos have a better experience in terms of the vibe and overall environment. But online casinos offer unparalleled flexibility and convenience – which may be the experience that matters most to you.
- Socializing:If you want to socialize, land-based casinos are the clear winner and will give you an environment where you can meet and chat with other players in person. Technically you can chat via text in an online casino, and live dealer games do help bridge the gap somewhat – but it still is a far cry from land-based casinos.
In short, if you’re on a tight budget and want to be able to play a wide range of games from the comfort of your own home – online casinos are probably the right choice. However if you can afford it and would prefer the vibe of a land-based casino coupled with the experience of being able to meet and socialize with others – land-based casinos are better.
Honestly it is sort of like the difference between going on a fun night out, or having a cozy night in. Neither option is ‘best’, they’re simply two different types of experiences that can both be enjoyable depending on your style and preferences.